As a baker and a lover of creating delicious meals, I’m always looking for ways to make healthy dishes both satisfying and flavorful. This Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowl with Creamy Garlic Sauce is one of my go-to recipes when I want something packed with protein and veggies, but still indulgent with a creamy twist. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep for the week ahead. The smoky, charred flavor of the grilled chicken pairs perfectly with the crisp, tender broccoli, and the creamy garlic sauce takes everything to the next level.
When it comes to creating this dish, I love how easy it is to make. You get all the essential nutrients in one bowl, and the creamy garlic sauce makes everything taste richer, without being overly heavy. Whether you’re a busy professional or just looking for a wholesome meal to enjoy with family, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your personal taste—whether you prefer adding more veggies or a spicier sauce, you can make it your own.
Now, let’s dive into the details of how you can make this tasty, nutritious bowl that’s sure to be a hit. You’ll find the ingredients simple but packed with flavor, and the step-by-step instructions will make this meal a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients + How to Make Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Ingredients:
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
4 cups broccoli florets
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling the chicken)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing broccoli)
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
-
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tablespoon water (if needed to thin the sauce)
How to Make the Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce:
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. You can also add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is nicely charred on the outside. -
Cook the Broccoli:
While the chicken is grilling, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender but still crisp. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir occasionally to ensure the broccoli cooks evenly. -
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to reach your desired consistency. -
Assemble the Bowls:
Once the chicken is grilled and the broccoli is cooked, slice the chicken into thin strips. In a large bowl, layer the sautéed broccoli and top it with the sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top, and you’re ready to serve!
How Long to Bake… (How to Store Leftovers) (Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce)
How Long to Grill the Chicken: Grilling the chicken is key to getting that smoky, delicious flavor. When grilling chicken breasts, it generally takes about 6-7 minutes per side on medium-high heat. The exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, while remaining juicy and tender.
How Long to Cook the Broccoli: For perfectly sautéed broccoli, you’ll want to cook it for about 5-7 minutes. The broccoli should still be crisp-tender, not mushy, so be sure to keep an eye on it while it cooks. Stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking, and feel free to taste-test for your preferred level of tenderness.
How to Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (though I’m sure they’ll be gone quickly!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Both the chicken and broccoli will keep for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep. As for the creamy garlic sauce, it can be stored separately in a small container for up to a week, and you can drizzle it over the chicken and broccoli when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
When reheating, I recommend using a microwave for the chicken and broccoli, but you can also heat them up in a pan for a couple of minutes to restore some of that grilled texture. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, simply add a splash of water and give it a quick stir to bring it back to the right consistency.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls:
-
Grill the Chicken to Perfection:
For juicy chicken, avoid overcooking! If you’re worried about it drying out, you can marinate the chicken beforehand with some olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs. This will keep it moist and flavorful. -
Customize the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
While this creamy garlic sauce is delicious as written, you can play around with the ingredients. Try adding a bit of grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist or a touch of sriracha for heat. Adjust the sauce to match your personal flavor profile! -
Add More Veggies:
If you want to boost the nutritional value of this dish, feel free to add more vegetables to your bowl. Roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed spinach, or even sliced avocado would complement the chicken and broccoli perfectly. -
Make It a Meal Prep Favorite:
This dish is great for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken, broccoli, and creamy garlic sauce ahead of time, and then assemble your bowls when you’re ready to eat. It’s a balanced meal that’s easy to take on the go, especially if you’re looking to eat something healthy during a busy workweek.
Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Grilled Chicken & Broccoli Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a healthy, flavorful dish perfect for any meal. The tender, grilled chicken pairs perfectly with sautéed broccoli, and the rich, creamy garlic sauce takes this simple bowl to the next level. Whether you’re making lunch, dinner, or prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress!
Ingredients
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
4 cups broccoli florets
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling the chicken)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing broccoli)
-
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
-
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
-
1/4 cup mayonnaise
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tablespoon water (if needed to thin the sauce)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Slice the chicken once cooked. -
Cook the Broccoli:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the broccoli for 5-7 minutes, or until tender-crisp. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. -
Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and parsley. Add salt and pepper to taste. Thin with water if necessary. -
Assemble the Bowls:
Place the sautéed broccoli in bowls and top with sliced grilled chicken. Drizzle with creamy garlic sauce and serve!
Notes
-
For extra crunch, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or almonds before serving.
-
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
-
If you prefer a tangier sauce, add a little more lemon juice or Dijon mustard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other vegetables in place of broccoli?
Absolutely! If broccoli isn’t your favorite, or if you just want to mix things up, you can swap it for other vegetables. Roasted cauliflower, sautéed spinach, or even Brussels sprouts would work wonderfully with the grilled chicken and creamy garlic sauce. Just be sure to cook them to your desired tenderness before serving.
2. Can I prepare the chicken and broccoli in advance?
Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can grill the chicken and sauté the broccoli in advance, then store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and broccoli, and drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy meal throughout the week!
3. Can I make the creamy garlic sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The creamy garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. In fact, it can even taste better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just give it a quick stir before using, and if it’s too thick, add a little water to thin it out to your liking.
4. How can I make the dish spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, there are several ways to spice up this dish! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken while grilling. Another great option is to stir in a bit of sriracha or hot sauce into the creamy garlic sauce to give it a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance!